The PLAN's first Type 054B frigate, Luohe , was commissioned on 22 January. (VCG via Getty Images)
The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) commissioned the first of its next-generation Type 054B class of guided-missile frigates on 22 January. Named CNS Luohe, the warship was inducted at the PLAN's Qingdao base, China's Ministry of National Defense (MND) disclosed in a statement that day.
Luohe is one of two Type 054B frigates constructed for the PLAN and was launched by China's Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding in Shanghai in 2023. Its sister ship is being built by Huangpu Wenchong Shipyard in Guangzhou and is believed to be close to completion.
Flagship frigate
China's Type 054B is an evolution of the flagship Type 054A (Jiangkai II) frigate, which has been in PLAN service since 2008. The service presently operates a fleet of 34 Type 054A-class frigates with six more hulls in the class under construction at various Chinese shipyards.
With its large but slender form factor, the Type 054A is capable of achieving relatively higher speed and better fuel economy when compared with other existing Chinese warships in its class.
It has a length of 134 m, a beam of 16 m, and a draught of 5 m. The frigate can accommodate one helicopter in its hangar and has a top speed of 27 kt and a standard range of 3,800 n miles at 18 kt.
This form factor has led China's maritime planners to adopt the Type 054A design for the China Coast Guard. These are now in service as the Zhaoduan (Type 818)-class offshore patrol ships.
Looking to read the full article?
Gain unlimited access to Janes news and more...
